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SEMA2012: VWvortex’s 500-horsepower Super Beetle

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

SEMA2012: VWvortex’s 500-horsepower Super Beetle.

One big bad Bug: Super Beetle debuts at SEMA.

There’s something about the Volkswagen Beetle that just makes people smile. Maybe that’s why it’s the world’s bestselling car. But with so many Bugs on the road, more than a few people have decided to customize their vehicles. Jamie Vondruska at VWvortex took things one step (okay, several steps) further with their latest project: the Super Beetle*.

Collaborating closely with performance specialist APR, VWvortex took a stock 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo six-speed manual and transformed it into an all-wheel drive street car with a whopping 500 horsepower. To accommodate the significant increase in power, APR updated the fuel system and added a high-performance intercooler system, as well as a host of Stage IV components including; an ECU upgrade; high-flow cylinder head and intake manifold; high-strength coated pistons and wrist pins; high-strength connecting rods and bearings; an upgraded balancer shaft; and a balanced rotating assembly.

Not only will the Super Beetle be one of the most powerful Beetle models, it will also be one of the most eye-catching. The VWvortex team wrapped it in a stunning Matt Azure Blue Metallic ORACAL® Series 970RA Wrapping Cast, which is a lightweight vinyl film paint alternative. They also replaced the stock rims with three-piece 19 in wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and installed RECARO Sportster CS seats for the lucky driver and passenger.

As if putting all these different pieces together weren’t enough of a challenge, the guys were on a tight timeline: they had to rush to finish the Super Beetle in time to debut it at the SEMA Show 2012 this week. Of course, they met their deadline—and they’re understandably proud of the end result.

Be sure to stop by the H&R Springs booth at the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where you can see the Super Beetle.